Security and Fraud Awareness

Cybercriminals, fraudsters and other “threat actors” frequently attempt to take advantage of individuals by fraudulently impersonating financial services firms and their employees. As a leading global independent investment bank, threat actors may attempt to engage in fraudulent schemes by using Evercore’s name or the names of our employees in an unauthorized manner. These schemes can take many forms and can be disturbingly credible, as threat actors may use real employee names and replicate Evercore’s branding and design standards. They also may use fake websites, social media platforms, groups and messaging, texts, emails, telephone calls or other communications that closely resemble official channels. Although the complexity and sophistication of these scams is constantly increasing, the goal of threat actors often remains the same – to access personal information and funds from unsuspecting individuals.

If you receive an email or any other communication that appears suspicious or fraudulent—especially regarding Evercore—please forward it to [email protected].

Victims of fraudulent schemes should report the incident to local law enforcement and may file a complaint with the FTC and/or the Internet Crime Complaint Center.

For further general information on protecting yourself from fraud, visit the FBI webpage on common fraud schemes and recent e-scams, the Internet Crime Complaint Center website and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission webpage on avoiding fraud.

Red Flags of Fraud and Common Persuasion Tactics

Cyber-scams—such as “phishing” and other fraudulent schemes—refer to a wide variety of tactics that threat actors use to try to mislead you into sharing your personal or financial information.

As a general matter, the old adage “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is” remains accurate. A guarantee, overly consistent or high returns, complex strategies, missing documentation, account or other discrepancies, secrecy, unregistered products, and pushy salespeople should always be a “red flag” and a reason to investigate further. Exercise healthy skepticism and be wary if you were solicited for an investment when you weren’t looking for one. Be extra cautious if you’re asked to send information to an unofficial or unauthorized e-mail address or phone number or to respond to a link sent to you in a text message.

Evercore does not seek new client relationships through “cold calling” or similar types of unsolicited communications.

Business Email Compromise

Business email compromise (BEC) is online fraud committed through “spoofed” (meaning, impersonated) or compromised email accounts and is one of the most financially damaging online crimes. It exploits the fact that most of us rely on email to conduct both personal and professional business.

In a BEC scam—also known as email account compromise—threat actors send an email message that misleadingly appears to come from a known source making a legitimate request. Typically, there is an unexplained urgency and/or a request for a change of payment instructions.

Evercore Alerts

Potential Fraud involving Investment Classes or Groups

It has come to Evercore’s attention that external parties may be posing as members of Evercore senior management in virtual investment classes or groups, where investment guidance and opportunities are offered to participants in an attempt to defraud individuals, most notably within Asia. Through websites associated with fake “academies” and online communication platforms like WhatsApp, persons impersonating Evercore and its employees appear to be offering classes or advice on investing and encouraging participants to make monetary payments, including through mobile device applications which participants are asked to download.

Evercore does not conduct business as an educational institution and does not offer classes to the public. In addition, Evercore does not conduct business with or offer investment advice to the public on WhatsApp or other public communication platforms. If you believe that you have been targeted by this scheme, please contact your local law enforcement office.

Potential Fraud involving Employment Offers and Recruitment

It has come to Evercore’s attention that persons impersonating Evercore and its employees appear to be targeting potential hires by making false offers of employment and requests for monetary payment through social media websites like LinkedIn and other online communications platforms as a way to access unsuspecting job applicants’ personal information and funds.

At no point during the recruitment process will Evercore request any form of monetary payment. In addition, Evercore employees will never solicit candidates through a non-Evercore e-mail address or phone number.

Potential Fraud involving Mexico Timeshares

Evercore has identified a recent pattern of “spoofing” (meaning, impersonation) attempts relating to an apparent advance fee fraud scheme involving historic, private investments in Mexican vacation clubs / timeshares. Through a series of targeted and coordinated phone and email contacts, persons impersonating various financial services firms and individuals, including Evercore and its employees, appear to be applying high-pressure sales tactics to existing investors in Mexican timeshares, offering to help them liquidate (sell) such investments through the opening of various accounts, such as “Basic Liquidity Accounts,” at Evercore. 

Evercore does not offer such accounts or engage in such services. If you believe that you have been targeted by this scheme, please contact your local law enforcement office.